I missed a day yesterday, but I’m resuming the rollout of our list of 2014′s Most Infectious Extreme Metal Songs. For more details about what this list is all about and how it was compiled, read the introductory post via this link. For the other songs we’ve previously named to the list, go here.

In this Part 22 of the list I’ve paired two songs by two bands on both sides of the Atlantic who, at least musically, have a few things in common. And so do these two songs — principally, beautiful guitar melodies that just will not let go.

INSOMNIUM

My NCS colleague and former friend DGR lobbied mightily for the inclusion of “Out To The Sea” on this list. Even though the song only appears on Shadows of the Dying Sun (reviewed here) as a limited edition bonus track, I still seriously considered it, but I think “While We Sleep” wins in the “infectious” category — but only barely. Actually, I’m pretty sure DGR won’t end our friendship over this decision. Pretty sure.

There’s so much I like about this song, including the dual vocals, but that guitar melody — it jumps out right away and grabs hold, and sticks hard. And that closing solo by new(ish) Insomnium guitarist Markus Vanhala — I know DGR agrees with me that it’s one of the best moments on the album.

In many ways, and not just geographically, Athens, Georgia is far away from Insomnium’s Finnish stamping grounds, but there is a kinship between these bands nonetheless. You just have to listen.

The song I’m picking from this band’s 2014 album Solace In Decay may help me retain my friendship with DGR (who reviewed the album for us) — though strictly between you and me, I would have picked it even if he hadn’t pushed for it. Here’s what he wrote about the song in his review:

Where Solace In Decay really gains its footing, though, is in “This Frozen Soil”, a song filled with one of the best lead guitar melodies I have heard in some time. It’s one that comes in triumphant and loud, while at the same time appearing frail and fragmented, contributing another layer of blue-hued pigment to Woccon’s bleak painting.

It truly is a memorable melody that enriches a very good song. Listen below…